David McDonald
Sellersburg, Indiana

"I jumped feet first into a Mexican business environment. I’m glad I could speak two languages – Spanish and business."

"My experience went way beyond what most people might consider a study abroad opportunity. Last spring I talked to the head of the Department of Foreign Languages about the possibility of studying or working in a Spanish-speaking country. She put me in touch with Bob Clark, dean of the School of Business Administration.

"Thanks to his help, I spent some time in Argentina. No sooner was I back from there when I left for Mexico for a six-week internship at a Mexican market research firm, Marketing One. "There was no sitting around and observing for me! I had a great supervisor and mentor named Victor Aguilar. Within the first few weeks I was conducting market research for Rock Ten, a paper company that was thinking about opening a site in Mexico. During the last week and a half I was putting together PowerPoint slides for MetLife.

"My education went way beyond the job responsibilities. Victor took me under his wing and showed me the sights in Mexico City. He took me to his favorite restaurants and had me visit in his home. I was constantly speaking Spanish, interacting in local business and lifestyle. It was absolutely the experience of a lifetime. I learned more than just business, though – I learned how to view my country in a different light, from the perspective of another culture.

"I’d go back in a minute. This was such a fulfilling time for me. I’d recommend studying or working abroad to anyone. Just learn the word for ‘help’.